Course Syllabus

HFT 3519 - OW 61 Event Services - Spring 2022 

Instructor Contact

• Instructor:  Steve Brinkman
• Office:  Rosen Hotels Operations Building, 415G
• Office Hours:  Virtually via Zoom by appointment: Monday - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; In office, in-person: Thursday - 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  
• Phone:  407.903.8266 (office)
• E-mail:  steven.brinkman@ucf.edu or through Webcourses

Course Information

• Course Name:  Event Services
• Course ID & Section:  HFT 3519 - OW61
• Credit Hours:  3 hours
• Semester/Year:  Spring 2022
• Class Meeting Day:  Online (Zoom sessions each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.)
• Class Meeting Time:  Online (Zoom sessions each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.)
• Class Location:  Online

Course Description

COURSE CATALOG

Acquisition and management of services integral to the success of events. The supply side of the industry.

PREREQUISITES
HFT 2750 and 3443 or consent of instructor.

Course Objectives

1. Compare and contrast the event services offered by a variety of venues and businesses.
2. Design event experiences that are engaging.
3. Determine the types of suppliers required to produce different events.
4. Draft a request for proposal for an event supplier such as a production company.
5. Discuss the various business models employed by event suppliers.
6. Evaluate proposals from vendors.

Required Text

There is no text for this class.

Course Requirements

• 10 quizzes, nine worth 10 points each and one worth 9 points
• 2 homework assignments and 1 take home exam, each worth 30 points
• 1 mid-term worth 30 points
• 1 final worth 30 points
• 1 syllabus quiz worth 1 point

Guest speakers may be invited to give additional perspectives on services in the hospitality industry via Zoom.  Assignments will be given online via Webcourses.  Details regarding each assignment will be posted on Webcourses under Assignments and/or Modules.  All quizzes/exams will be given online in the form of multiple choice and True-False.  Questions will be based on the module materials, narrated power points (decks), and any other material utilized in class. Students will be responsible for the content of each module even though the content may not be discussed in Wednesday Zoom sessions.  All students are required to take quizzes/exams/assignments at the scheduled time.  

Missed Assignments/Make-Ups/Incompletes

Missed Assignments/Make-Ups

There are no make-ups for the quizzes, exams, and any assignments.  However, I will consider making allowances under EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES as outlined in the attendance policy (excused absences).  Proof of such occurrences will need to be documented.  Assignments that are submitted late will be accepted but you will lose 10% of the total points available for the assignment for every day they are late. 

It is the responsibility for each student to be self-directed in the pursuit of course activities.  You are responsible for yourself and your only comparison is to yourself.  You are responsible for determining any content that was presented during a missed class session. It is the responsibility of the student to track individual course progress.

Make-Up Assignments for Authorized University Events or Co-Curricular Activities

Students who represent the university in an authorized event or activity (for example, student-athletes) and who are unable to meet a course deadline due to a conflict with that event must provide the instructor with documentation in advance to arrange a make-up. No penalty will be applied. For more information, see the UCF policy at <https://policies.ucf.edu/documents/4-401.pdfLinks to an external site.>

Religious Observances

Students must notify their instructor in advance if they intend to miss class for a religious observance.

Grades of Incomplete

The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course.  Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester.  The instructor is the final authority on whether the student qualifies for an incomplete.  Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the "I" will automatically be recorded as an "F" on your transcript.

Evaluation and Grading

Event Services is a rigorous course and has a rigorous grading scale.  Following is the grading scale and the grading criteria for the semester: 

Letter Grade	Percentage	Points
A	94 - 100%	235 - 250
A-	90 - 93.9%	225 - 234
B+	87 - 89.9%	218 - 224
B	84 - 86.9%	210 - 217
B-	80 - 83.9%	200 - 209
C+	77 - 79.9%	193 - 199
C	74 - 76.9%	185 - 192
C-	70 - 73.9%	175 - 184
D+	67 - 69.9%	168 - 174
D	64 - 66.9%	160 - 167
D-	60 - 63.9%	150 - 159
F	0 - 59.9%	149 and below

NOTE:  Final grades based on points are absolute.  A student who has 224 points at the end of the semester will receive a B+.  The grade will not be rounded up to an A-.

IMPORTANT: In most cases, a C or better is required to receive credit for this class.  That means a C- or below is not sufficient.  See your academic advisor with any questions about this.

Absence Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to keep abreast of the current class topics and class requirements. If for any reason you do miss an assignment, quiz or examination, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor BEFORE the absence via email. There is a chance that an absence can be excused (which will be determined by the instructor). 

The following absences are excusable at the discretion of the instructor with proper documentation (missed work must be made up when possible) as follows:

• Bereavement: immediate family only
• Accidents: personally affected, loss of vehicle or medical treatment required as a result
• Medical Emergency: treatment by licensed health care providers, other than regular or periodic care
• Force Majeure: loss of residence or property through natural disaster
• Civil Responsibility: jury duty, military service, mandatory court appearance
• UCF Sanctioned Events: career fair, band, athletic, or other approved field trips and/or conventions, not volunteer experiences
• Religious Holidays: If attendance precludes participation in a scheduled religious service 

Teaching Philosophy/Types of Instruction

Students will demonstrate respect for the instructor, as well as for one another while collaborating via discussions, instruction, emailing, etc.  Such respectful behavior includes constructive participation in scholarly discussion.  You are encouraged to review Professionalism is for Everyone by James R. Ball. 

The instructor may incorporate the following methods while presenting this course:  Online Lectures, Discussions, PowerPoint Presentations (decks), Student Presentations, Video Films and Clips, Group Reports and Demonstrations. 

Although this course is labeled an online course, please do your best to attend the Wednesday sessions via Zoom. The idea is to provide all students with continued access to learning experiences.

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with Zoom by visiting the UCF Zoom Guides at <https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/zoom/>. You may choose to use Zoom on your mobile device (phone or tablet).

Things to Know About Zoom:

• You must sign in to my Zoom session using your UCF NID and password.
• The Zoom sessions are recorded.
• Improper classroom behavior is not tolerated within Zoom sessions and may result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct.
• You can contact Webcourses@UCF Support at <https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/> if you have any technical issues accessing Zoom.

Technology/Online Communication

Webcourses 

Webcourses is an online course management system (accessed through my.ucf.edu and then the "Online Course Tools" tab) which will be used as a medium for: (1) downloading class material, such as PowerPoint slides; (2) turning in assignments/quizzes, etc.; (3) checking progress (grades); (4) a forum for communicating with your teammates; and (5) communicating with the instructor (including announcements). Students are expected to check Webcourses on a regular basis, especially before the class meeting, and print out PowerPoint slides and check any announcements or updates. 

E-Mail Communication 

For this class, our official mode of communication is through Webcourses e-mail. Students are responsible for checking their e-mail accounts regularly, especially before the class meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the content and announcements. Each student is fully responsible for any consequences that may be caused by his/her inability to adhere to the curriculum, assignments, modules and schedule. 

Remember to also regularly check your Knights E-Mail address as it is used for all university business, including class rosters, financial aid, advising, etc. There will be no other e-mail address available for university personnel to access. 

All communications between student and professor and between student and student should be respectful and professional. Below is proper email etiquette that apply not only to this course but in any situation: (1) When sending an email, please make sure to have a proper subject line including HFT 3519 OW61 or Event Services OW61. Since the professor receives a variety of emails each day, not all emails are immediately read. By having this professional subject line, the professor will likely read your email in a timely manner. (2) Be respectful and professional by addressing the professor by name (e.g., Professor Brinkman). (3) Make sure that your email includes a considerate welcome, greeting, and closing. This makes it not appear demanding. (4) Spell check! Not only the content but also the name of the recipient. (5) Always end with “Thank you,” “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” etc. 

Professor Availability

I am available online via Zoom on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and in office on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.  If you need to make an appointment for different days/times, please email me on Webcourses or at steven.brinkman@ucf.edu. Please do not expect an immediate response after 5 pm, over the weekend, and during holidays.

Rules/Protocols of Communication Online

Before posting, always make sure your posting doesn't have grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. You may do this by copying and pasting the text into Microsoft Word, use Spell Check and then paste it back to the posting area. Also, you can download Grammarly, an app that can check for spelling and punctuation errors.

Please use the following conventions when composing an online posting:

• A helpful hint for use with both online posting and email – Compose your message in your word-processing application in order to check spelling, punctuation, and grammar – then copy and paste your composition into the email or the posting area. This not only saves online time but also works as a preventative measure from losing information while typing. Grammar will be graded in this course.
• Avoid posting large blocks of text. If you must, break them into paragraphs and use a space between paragraphs.
• Use the “reply” button rather than the “compose” button if you are replying to someone else’s posting.
• Do not use postings such as “I agree,” “I don’t know either,” “Who cares,” or “ditto.” They do not add to the discussion and will not be counted for assignment credit.
• Everyone should feel free to participate in online discussions. Regular and meaningful discussion postings constitute a substantial portion of your grade.
• Respect each other’s ideas, feelings, and experience.
• Be courteous and considerate. It is important to be honest and to express yourself freely, but being considerate of others is just as important and expected online, as it is in the classroom.
• If you want to send a personal message to the instructor or to another student, use email rather than the discussions.
• Be patient. Do not expect an immediate response when you send a message.
• Explore disagreements and support assertions with data and evidence.  

Academic Honesty

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct (Links to an external site.). According to Section 1, "Academic Misconduct," students are prohibited from engaging in:

1. Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
2. Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
3. Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
4. Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
5. Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
6. Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
7. Helping another violate academic behavior standards.
8. Soliciting assistance with academic coursework and/or degree requirements.

Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating
Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden RuleLinks to an external site.. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and respond to academic misconduct when necessary. Penalties for violating rules, policies, and instructions within this course can range from a zero on the exercise to an “F” letter grade in the course. In addition, an Academic Misconduct report could be filed with the Office of Student Conduct, which could lead to disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, or deferred suspension or separation from the University through suspension, dismissal, or expulsion with the addition of a “Z” designation on one’s transcript.

Being found in violation of academic conduct standards could result in a student having to disclose such behavior on a graduate school application, being removed from a leadership position within a student organization, the recipient of scholarships, participation in University activities such as study abroad, internships, etc.

Let’s avoid all of this by demonstrating values of honesty, trust, and integrity. No grade is worth compromising your integrity and moving your moral compass. Stay true to doing the right thing: take the zero, not a shortcut.

Plagiarism and cheating of any kind on an examination, quiz, or assignment will result at least in an "F" for that assignment (and may, depending on the severity of the case, lead to an "F" for the entire course) and may be subject to appropriate referral to the Office of Student Conduct for further action. See the UCF Golden RuleLinks to an external site. for further information. I will assume for this course that you will adhere to the academic creed of this university and will maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. In other words, don't cheat by giving answers to others or taking them from anyone else. I will also adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, so please do not ask me to change (or expect me to change) your grade illegitimately or to bend or break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone. 

Plagiarism Defined  

The unacknowledged use of another person’s labor, another person’s ideas, another person’s words, and another person’s assistance.  Normally, all work done for courses— papers, examinations, homework exercises, reports, and oral presentations— is expected to be the individual effort of the student presenting the work.  Any assistance must be reported to the instructor.  If the work has entailed consulting other resources— journals, books or other media— these resources must be cited in APA style and in a manner appropriate for this course.  Everything used from other sources— suggestions for organization of ideas, ideas themselves, or actual language— must be cited.  Failure to cite borrowed or copied material also constitutes plagiarism. 

Following are examples of citing correctly to avoid plagiarism: 

Citation format:

(Books, Journals)

Goldblatt, J. (2008) Special Events: The Roots and Wings of Celebration, Sixth Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc: Hoboken, NJ.

(Personal interviews)

Smith, M. (2004) Personal interview.

(Internet)

www.ises.com (2004) Page title and number. 

Turnitin.com

In this course I may utilize turnitin.com, an automated system which instructors can use to quickly and easily compare each student's assignment with billions of web sites, as well as an enormous database of student papers that grows with each submission.  Accordingly, you will be expected to submit assignments through the Canvas Assignment Tool in electronic format.  After the assignment is processed, as an instructor I receive a report from turnitin.com that states if and how another author’s work was used in the assignment. For a more detailed look at this process, visit http://www.turnitin.com 

Coronavirus/Covid-19 Safety Protocols

Please access the following UCF website for all information/protocols about Coronavirus (Covid-19, the Delta variant and Omicron variant) including:

• On-Campus Testing
• Staying Vigilant
• Health & Safety
• Housing
• Resources
• FAQs
• Latest Updates on Coronavirus (Covid-19/Delta variant)
• CARES Act

 (Links to an external site.)For more information about Covid-19, please review the university’s Emergency COVID Return Policy at https://policies.ucf.edu/documents/PolicyEmergencyCOVIDReturnPolicy.pdfLinks to an external site. and the UCF Coronavirus site for more information at https://www.ucf.edu/coronavirus/Links to an external site..

Take the Pledge

The past two years have presented unique challenges.  But at UCF, we are committed to the well-being of every Knight, and have worked tirelessly over two years to ensure a safer return to campus.

Now, we need you to do your part to ensure the health and safety of your family, friends, classmates and colleagues — as well as our community and yourselves. Because that’s what Knights do.

Learn more about what you can do to take care of the community and each other, and take the voluntary Armor Up PledgeLinks to an external site.. Share that you care on social media using #ArmorUpKnights.

Safety Policy

Here are some actions to take and conversation starters you can use to help reduce the coronavirus spread and encourage other Knights to do their part in protecting others.

https://www.ucf.edu/news/ways-to-help-uphold-ucfs-covid-19-safety-policy/Links to an external site.

Campus Safety Statement

Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise during class, everyone needs to work together. Students should be aware of their surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.

• In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
• Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Students should make a note of the guide’s physical location.
• Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency.
• If there is a medical emergency during class, students may need to access a first-aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those are located, see <https://ehs.ucf.edu/automated-external-defibrillator-aed-locationsLinks to an external site.> (Rosen Hall of Fame).
• To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to <https://my.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.> and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
• Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.
• To learn about how to manage an active-shooter situation on campus or elsewhere, consider viewing this video (<https://youtu.be/NIKYajEx4pk (Links to an external site.)>).

Deployed Active Duty Military Students

Students who are deployed active duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.

Accessibility Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need access to course content due to course design limitations should contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) <http://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/Links to an external site.> (Ferrell Commons 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone 407-823-2371). For students connected with SAS, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential course access and accommodations that might be necessary and reasonable. Determining reasonable access and accommodations requires consideration of the course design, course learning objectives and the individual academic and course barriers experienced by the student. Further conversation with SAS, faculty and the student may be warranted to ensure an accessible course experience.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

As a student, your educational records are considered confidential. Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), your records are confidential and protected. Under most circumstances your records will not be released without your written and signed consent. However, some directory information may be released to third parties without your prior consent unless a written request to restrict this is on file. 

Financial Aid

Each semester, all faculty members are required to document students' academic activity at the beginning of each course.  In order to document that you began this course, please complete the on-line syllabus academic activity/quiz by the end of the first week of classes, or as soon as possible after adding the course.  Failure to do so will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid.  

In-Class Recording Statement

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Central Florida considers the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff to be a strength and critical to its educational mission. UCF expects every member of the university community to contribute to an inclusive and respectful culture for all in its classrooms, work environments, and at campus events. Dimensions of diversity can include sex, race, age, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, intellectual and physical ability, sexual orientation, income, faith and non-faith perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology, education, primary language, family status, military experience, cognitive style, and communication style. The individual intersection of these experiences and characteristics must be valued in our community.

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual harassment, and retaliation. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find resources available to support the victim, including confidential resources and information concerning reporting options at https://letsbeclear.ucf.eduLinks to an external site. and http://cares.sdes.ucf.edu/Links to an external site..

If there are aspects of the design, instruction, and/or experiences within this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or accurate assessment of achievement, please notify the instructor as soon as possible and/or contact Student Accessibility Services.

For more information on diversity and inclusion, Title IX, accessibility, or UCF’s complaint processes contact:

• Title IX – OIE – http://oie.ucf.edu/Links to an external site. & askanadvocate@ucf.edu
• Disability Accommodation – Student Accessibility Services – http://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/Links to an external site. & sas@ucf.edu
• Diversity and Inclusion Training and Events – www.diversity.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.
• Student Bias Grievances – Just Knights response team – http://jkrt.sdes.ucf.edu/Links to an external site.
• UCF Compliance and Ethics Office – http://compliance.ucf.edu/Links to an external site. & complianceandethics@ucf.edu
• Ombuds Office – http://www.ombuds.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center (UWC) offers writing support to students from first-year to graduate in every discipline. Tutors provide help at every stage of the writing process, including understanding assignments, researching, drafting, revising, incorporating sources, and learning to proofread and edit. The UWC’s purpose is not merely to fix or edit papers, but to teach writing strategies that can be applied to any writing situation. Consultations are available for individuals and small groups. You may schedule a 45-minute appointment by clicking the Success Resources tab on Webcourses, calling the UWC at 407-823-2197, or through the UWC website.

The UWC seeks graduate and undergraduate tutors from all majors. To learn more about becoming a writing tutor, please contact us.

University Writing Center
Trevor Colbourn Hall 109
Satellite Locations: Main Library, Rosen Library, Online
407-823-2197
http://uwc.cah.ucf.edu/Links to an external site.

Important Dates to Remember

• Classes Begin:  Monday, January 10, 2022
• Last Day to Drop/Swap Classes: Friday, January 14, 2022
• Last Day to Request Full Refund: Friday, January 14, 2022
• Last Day to Add Classes: Friday, January 14, 2022
• Martin Luther King Holiday:  Monday, January 17, 2022
• Payment Deadline: Friday, January 21, 2022
• Spring Break:  Sunday, March 6, 2022 - Sunday, March 13, 2022
• Withdrawal Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022
• Classes End: Monday, April 25, 2022
• Study Day:  Tuesday, April 26, 2022
• Final Exam Week:  Wednesday, April 27, 2022 - Tuesday, May 3, 2022
• Commencement: Thursday, May 5, 2022 - Saturday, May 7, 2022